Investigative reporting has been recognized at the highest level following the announcement of the 2025 Skup award in Tønsberg. The top prize was awarded to Rolf J. Widerøe and Einar Otto Stangvik for their project, “Maskene til 100 millioner.”
Exposing Procurement Failures
The winning investigation revealed a plan by the Ministry of Defence to spend 100 million kroner on masks for Ukrainian soldiers. Following a series of reports, the agreement was scrapped in January of this year.
The reporting was noted for its sophisticated approach, utilizing artificial intelligence, 3D printing and independent testing to uncover the facts. This combination of technology and persistence allowed the journalists to challenge the official procurement process.
Systemic Vulnerabilities
Jury leader Frank Gander described the winning work as “investigative journalism at its best.” He emphasized that the project did more than uncover a single critical case; it exposed wider flaws in a system under significant pressure.
According to the jury, the investigation highlighted how failing control mechanisms and tight relationships within the system could lead to severe consequences. This suggests that the implications of the reporting extend beyond the specific mask contract to general government oversight.
Additional Honors and Global Collaboration
The event as well recognized the project “Arbeiderne på Melkøya” with a Skup diploma. This investigation documented 14 instances where reports regarding gas incidents and dangerous working conditions were stopped or disappeared before reaching Equinor, eventually leading to a police report against the company.
In another major win, the IR prize was awarded for a report on “Grenseløse leger.” Journalists Eiliv Frich Flydal and Therese Rida revealed that 23 doctors were working in Norway despite having lost their authorizations in other countries.
This particular effort involved a massive global collaboration, with journalists from 51 newsrooms across 49 different countries. It exposed a systemic gap that allows medical professionals to continue practicing in one jurisdiction after being barred in another.
Broad Recognition of Investigative Work
The jury reviewed a wide range of entries, with 52 contributions nominated from media outlets nationwide, whereas another total of 41 contributions were noted in the nomination process. Diplomas were also awarded to Adresseavisen for the “Kloakk-avsløringen” and Novemberfilm for TV 2 for “Dødsenglene.”
Honorable mentions were given to Espen Rasmussen’s report “Blodbadet” from Ukraine and NRK’s podcast “Telenors mareritt.” The jury prioritizes reports that use innovative methods that could inspire other journalists or be applied in different contexts.
Given the jury’s focus on system vulnerabilities, future government procurement processes may notice a push for more transparent control mechanisms. It’s also possible that the findings regarding medical authorizations could lead to a review of how international credentials are verified.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the “Maskene til 100 millioner” project?
It was an investigation that revealed the Ministry of Defence’s intention to spend 100 million kroner on masks for Ukrainian soldiers, a deal that was ultimately cancelled in January after the reporting was published.
Who received the IR prize and why?
The IR prize was awarded to Eiliv Frich Flydal and Therese Rida for revealing that 23 doctors had worked in Norway after losing their medical authorizations in other countries, a project involving 51 newsrooms in 49 countries.
What is the Skup award?
The Skup award is one of the most prestigious prizes in the Norwegian press, awarded annually by the Foundation for a Critical and Investigative Press since 1991 to highlight excellence in investigative journalism.
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